Land Acquisition Hurdles Delay Thiruvananthapuram Airport Runway Expansion.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport’s runway expansion has hit a roadblock due to pending land acquisition, raising concerns among aviation authorities. The state government has yet to secure the required 22 acres, delaying the development of a Runway End Safety Area (RESA), a critical safety feature mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Originally, the DGCA set a September 2024 deadline for RESA development but granted an extension due to slow progress. A major hurdle is the transfer of 4.5 acres of land held by BrahMos Aerospace Ltd, which requires approval from the Union Ministry of Defence. The state government has cited this as the primary reason for the overall delay.

In response, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed Chief Principal Secretary KM Abraham to convene a high-level meeting to address the issue. Sources indicate that BrahMos Aerospace, initially hesitant, is now open to transferring the land, provided the Union government grants clearance.

Aviation Secretary KR Jyothilal has urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) to push for faster approvals. The expansion plan may also require realignment to avoid impacting critical defence installations, including the Nirbhaya engine unit.

Additionally, the state government is identifying a new location for the Chackai fire and rescue station, which will be displaced by the expansion. While parts of the Chackai-Shanghumukham Road will be affected, the ITI at Chackai will remain untouched.

Meanwhile, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, the private operator of the airport, has announced a ₹5,500 crore investment for terminal expansion. However, the runway upgrade—vital for the airport’s modernization—remains stalled until the land acquisition issue is resolved.

With rising air traffic, aviation authorities are under pressure to expedite the process to ensure the airport’s long-term growth.

ET